Mary Christine Curtis Carnazzo, 76

Mary was born Aug. 15, 1936, on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin.

Mary graduated from Ss. Cosmas and Damian in 1954 and remained a faithful supporter of SS.C.D. throughout the rest of her life.

After graduating from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh in 1957, she moved to California, with five of her nursing school buddies, and worked at Los Angeles County Hospital.

Mary married Louie Carnazzo on Feb. 18, 1960, after meeting him under an oak tree in Monterey, Calif., on Labor Day weekend in 1959.

It was love at first sight, and after a long courtship (six months), they were wed.

Mary worked at Monterey Hospital for one year before their first child, Damian Christopher, was born. Mary then took up a successful career as loving wife and mother.

The births of their daughters, Lisa Maria and Regina Maria, followed.

In 1967, Mary and her family moved to Kailua, Hawaii, where she resided until her death.

When Louie started his court reporting business in Honolulu, Mary was a keystone of its success. She interrupted her busy homemaker schedule to work side-by-side with him to build the business.

A parishioner of St. Anthony Church, Mary was a very active volunteer — both at the church and parish school and in the Kailua community.

She served as school nurse, playground mom, PTG treasurer, spaghetti dinner chef and costume designer.

Mary especially loved children, and she nurtured all the children in her life with tremendous love and tender compassion.

“Aunt Teenie,” “Auntie Mary,” “Mimi” was beloved for her animated storytelling and reading, her dry wit, her scrumptious meals, her creative sewing skills and her hugely loving heart.

She was the last surviving child of Fredrick C. and Anna C. (Kuptz) Curtis.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters, Thomas J. Curtis, Rita Hutchison, Jerome H. “Jake” Curtis, John R. “Jack” Curtis, Fred C. “Cy” Curtis and Elaine McNiff.

Mary is survived by her husband, Louie, and their children, Damian and daughter-in-law Dana of Big Sur, Calif., and grandchildren, Alonzo Jack and Tessa Melora; Lisa and son-in-law Walter Ajanel of San Luis Obispo, Calif., and grandsons, Miguel Luis and Enrique Damian; and daughter Regina “Gina” Carnazzo of Kailua; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at San Carlos Cathedral in Monterey, Calif., Friday, Aug. 30, 2013.

Visitation will be held at 6:30 p.m.; Rosary at 7 p.m.; eulogies to follow.

Mass will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug, 31, 2013, with interment to follow.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Mission Mortuary.

The family wishes to express in advance their heartfelt thanks for all expressions of sympathy.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory can be made to SS.C.D., the Mercy School of Nursing Alumni Scholarship Fund, the American Cancer Society or to a charity of your choice.